Equinoctial (Noun)
Meaning
The great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The sun crosses the equinoctial circle twice a year, marking the beginning of spring and autumn.
- The equinoctial circle is an imaginary line on the celestial sphere that divides it into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
- Astronomers use the equinoctial circle as a reference point to measure the position of stars and other celestial objects.
- The Earth's equatorial plane is aligned with the equinoctial circle, which is why the sun appears directly overhead at noon on the equinoxes.
- The equinoctial circle is also known as the celestial equator, and it plays a crucial role in navigation and astronomy.